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Residents On Edge After String Of Burglaries In Evesham Township

EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) — A burglary spree in a South Jersey community has residents locking up their valuables.

Police say so far this year, burglars have hit more than 60 homes and cars in Evesham Township, Burlington County.

Thomas Meyers is convinced that with a new lock on their back gate, no one should be able to force their way into their home. Thomas’ mother is certainly hoping that is the case after she had her engagement ring and other valuables stolen.

Tara Gigliotti explained, “It was worth more sentimentally than anything else. I was gone for a short amount of time, and by the time I got back, I noticed that the back door was wide open.”

According to Evesham Township police, Gigliotti’s home is one of seven homes burglarized in the last ten days. If that’s not alarming enough, police say in the last three months, more than 60 homes and cars have been burglarized in the area. Tuesday afternoon, police released pictures of jewelry that have surfaced in area pawnshops.

The jewelry has not been confirmed stolen but police say the manner in which it was sold is suspicious.

Gigliotti noted, “I’m hoping that some of that jewelry that’s been recovered belongs to me.”

Police say they have arrested three suspects so far: 20-year-old Christian Smith of Marlton, NJ; 36-year-old Chad Barber also of Marlton, NJ; and 31-year-old Thomas Segrest of Cherry Hill, NJ.

An arrest warrant has been issued for a fourth man, 32-year-old Keith Johnson of Trenton, NJ who according to tipsters, was last seen in the Philadelphia area.

Police do not believe the suspects are part of a ring, and more suspects, yet to be identified, are still out there.

Police are asking residents to continue to be vigilant and keep their doors locked. Should you see anyone or anything suspicious, you’re also asked to call 911 right away.

In the meantime, police say if you can identify any of the items as property that belonged to you and are now missing, please contact the Evesham Police Department at 856-983-1116, the Confidential Tip Line at 856-983-4699, or email at Facebook@Eveshampd.org. For anonymous tips, text ETPDTIP to 847411.